Chapter 48 - Life in Siraq
"How much can we talk here?" Simon asked Roland as they rode, "The people are looking at us like we’re from outer space…"
"They always do that," Roland shrugged, "Especially when we get close to the Siraqi palace."
"We aren’t that scary are we?" Simon asked, miming checking his pits, "We don’t smell that bad, I mean we showered in Skolnik before we crossed the border."
"We’re heading towards the palace and moving freely," Roland said, "That means that we are known by the palace. Anyone known by the palace is a threat and they treat us as such."
"Is the government that bad here?" Simon wondered, "I can’t imagine…"
"You’re from the capital city, right?" Roland asked him.
"Born and raised," Simon confirmed, "I’m a city boy."
"The capital is a great place," Roland told him, "But it insulates you from the rest of the world. I’m sure Medo has been up here once or twice, or at least near the border. The world is a dangerous place, Simon. Just because we’ve civilized our part of it doesn’t mean everyone is as lucky."
"Or as smart," Simon nodded, "I’ve got a lot to learn, don’t I?"
"You’re doing ok," Roland chuckled, "You should have seen me on my first foreign trip. I nearly caused a diplomatic incident in Serenia."
"How did you manage that?" Simon asked him, "That sounds like a good story."
"It started with this young woman," Roland grinned, remembering fondly, "That just happened to be the favorite daughter of their religious leader…"
The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension Page 51